Boise Idaho Medicare Brokers | Making Medicare A Success Guide

Idaho Medicare Insurance Agents & Brokers

Hello!

Chris here and hey, so today I just wanted to show you, and I'm gonna leave a link to my website that well, my page on our brokers website.

Also, if you are confused about Medicare either turning 65 or currently we're in our annual enrollment period, Send me a message.

I'm gonna send you this guide right here.

It's the five steps to making Medicare success.

I'm gonna shoot this over to you.

It's an easy read.

It will really help clarify some issues because Medicare can be confusing.

So just go ahead, send me a message right here.

It will come back to me.

You can email me right here or give me a call and I'll get that over to you and just leave a note in there on what you're working on.

Okay, thanks so much.

See our other blog posts here !

Original post here: Boise Idaho Medicare Brokers | Making Medicare A Success Guide

Why Consider A Medicare Advantage Plan

Reasons to Consider a Medicare Advantage Plan

When deciding whether to sign up for Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan , it's important to consider your needs and what you hope to get out of your coverage. While good health is crucial, you should also consider your care needs and how you will live after you reach retirement age. You may be looking for affordable prescription drug coverage with a limited out-of-pocket expense. Advantage plans provide you with more benefits at a more predictable cost.

• One reason to consider is the supplemental benefits offered by private insurers. Some plans offer additional benefits such as dental, vision, and prescription drugs. But, keep in mind that not all of these perks have the same value. For example, acupuncture, which can help manage chronic pain, may not be covered under the Advantage plan, while traditional Medicare may have a better network. It is also more flexible, giving you more freedom when choosing a plan.

When choosing a plan, take your time and compare plans to Original Medicare. It's important to remember that the coverage offered by an Advantage plan may be less expensive than that of an original one. Keep in mind that some providers are not included, so do your research to ensure you'll be covered when you need to visit a doctor. If you're unsure about whether a plan will offer the coverage you need, consider combining Original and a Medigap plan. Medigap plans will cover out-of-pocket costs and give you a wider choice of providers. Just remember that Medigap plans come with added monthly premiums, and you can be declined if you have pre-existing conditions. Make sure to compare and ask for a quote to different insurance companies.

• Another important benefit is that they often provide supplemental benefits. Supplemental benefits include dental and vision care, alternative health services, and transportation. In 2019, federal law increased the number of services that Medicare Advantage plans can cover. For instance, if you were once paying out-of-pocket for dentist visits, your Advantage plan might now cover those services. Some Advantage plans cover meals, for example. By 2020, 46% of them will cover meals.
  
• Another is that you can choose what type of plan you want. You can choose an SNP for individuals with chronic health conditions, while a PPO plan is a great option for those who want more freedom in choosing their provider. In addition, these plans also usually have no deductibles and premiums. You can also choose to pay for extra services through your Medicare Savings Account. Several plans also offer access to specialist care and have a grievance and appeals process if you are not satisfied with your coverage.

Idaho Medicare Advantage Plan Covers

Many members choose the Advantage plans because it offers both medical and hospital insurance, as well as additional coverage. Depending on the type of plan, your policy may cover you with:

• Prescription drug coverage. While the prescription coverage does not normally offer under the original plan, you are required to purchase a separate plan to cover your prescription drug, Medicare Advantage plan provides prescription drug coverage.
• Dental, vision, and hearing. An added non-medically benefits to your Medicare Advantage plan which is normally not covered with the original plan. Some companies also include health-related perks such as gym membership, medical transportation, and meal delivery.

Final Thought

The best Medicare Advantage plans can cost less than traditional Medicare and Medigap insurance. However, it's important to compare the two. Some plans may look more affordable than others, but they're also laden with out-of-pocket expenses. A copay, for example, is a small percentage of the bill. A copay can add up quickly, especially if you have chronic health problems. The best way to decide whether or not a Medicare Advantage plan is right for you depends on your needs. Learn more why consider Medicare Advantage plan .

Original post here: Why Consider A Medicare Advantage Plan

Idaho Medicare Insurance Plans - Advantage & Supplements

Different Medicare Insurance Plans That Will Work According To your Healthcare Needs

Medicare Advantage Plans, a type of Medicare health plan offered by contracting private companies, give all Part A and Part B benefits. Medicare Advantage Plans: HMO, PPO, Private Fee-for-Service, Special Needs Plans, HMO Point of Service Plans, Medical Savings Account Plans.

Medigap Insurance

A Medigap policy is additional supplemental coverage that can be purchased to help cover the costs associated with your medical expenses not covered under Original Medicare.

The cost for this extra protection varies depending on which plans you choose. You may also purchase other types of policies such as dental or vision care.

Call our office today for a review of your current policy! We have over 20 years experience helping our clients save money and find the best coverage.

How Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) Policies Work with Medicare Advantage Plans

Each Medicare Advantage Plan can charge differently. Most Medicare Advantage Plans include prescription drug coverage. Some people buy Medigap insurance as an add-on policy when they sign up for Medicare Part B.

Others purchase supplemental private insurance after joining a Medicare Advantage Plan. If you don't know which type of supplement is right for you, ask your agent or call 1-800-MEDICARE, TTY/TDD 711.

Medicaid

The Medicaid program provides federal funding to states so they can provide healthcare services to low-income individuals who are eligible for both Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income. In addition, some states have their own programs called State Children’s Health Insurance Program, which covers children up to age 19 whose families earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance.

Medicare Advantage

Covered services in Medicare Advantage Plans

The following is an overview of the benefits that most Medicare Advantage plans cover:

• Hospitalization
• Skilled nursing facility care
• Home health visits
• Hospice care
• Medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, oxygen tanks, etc.
• Prescription drugs
• Dental care
• Vision care
• Long-term care insurance

Rules for Medicare Advantage Plans

If you prefer a health maintenance organization plan with no deductible, we have several options available that offer comprehensive coverage including:

• Preventive services without deductibles
• Hospitalization up to 100% coinsurance after your deductible is met
• Dental care without co-payments
• Vision care without copayments
• Pharmacy benefit with no cost-sharing
• Health coaching programs
• Wellness visits
• Mental health counseling
• Chronic disease management

Humana PPO Plans

Our preferred provider organizations plan provides access to doctors who accept assignments from us. We also cover many other services like eyeglasses, contact lenses, eye exams, glasses frames, and hearing aids.

Do I have to pay my deductible first before insurance kicks in?

No. Your medical bills will be paid directly after we've met your deductible amount.

Costs for Medicare Advantage Plans

Each Medicare Advantage Plan can charge differently. The cost of Medicare Advantage Plans varies depending on where you live and which company is providing them. The average monthly premium for an individual who lives outside of a metropolitan area ranges from $0-$1,000 per person. In urban areas, premiums range between $2,500 -$5,200 per person. You'll pay higher costs when you move into rural areas.

**You should check out all the options available to find one that works best for you.

Drug coverage in Medicare Advantage Plans

Each Medicare Advantage Plan can charge differently. Some Medicare Advantage Plans include prescription drug coverage as part of their package. You usually don't have to worry about paying out-of-pocket for prescriptions because they're covered under Part D. However, you do have to be careful when filling prescriptions at retail pharmacies since not all stores accept insurance. If you fill them at an independent pharmacy instead, check whether the store is in the plan's network. Also, make sure you know which medications aren't included in the plan.

Thank You For Reading!

Original post here: Idaho Medicare Insurance Plans - Advantage & Supplements

Idaho Medicare Supplement & Medicare Advantage Companies

Which Medicare Insurance Company Should You Choose

Hey Boise Idaho! 

Today here at our agency Chris Antrim Insurance and Boise Health & Life Insurance Agency we are going to review some of the top Medicare Insurance companies.

Now these companies work across the nation and local regional areas as well. You have large networks like Blue Cross but here in Idaho it is Blue Cross of Idaho. They sell Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans. 

So see below some of the top companies we use. Our agency is independent and we work with the best companies. 

We offer Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans. So Give us a call with any questions. 

Top Medicare Supplements Insurance Companies

Here are some top companies for this year 2021:

Top Local Carriers:

• Blue Cross of Idaho - True Blue Medicare Advantage and Medigap Plans.
  
• Regence Blue Shield - They offer MAPD and Supplement plans.
  
• Select Health - based out of Utah but strong presence in Idaho. They offer both plans.

1. CIGNA has more than 200-year in business, making it one of the oldest companies offering health insurance and related services. This global health insurance is available in all 50 states including Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, and many more.

It is known for the Best In Overall Value because of its access to discounts and perks. Cigna offers multiple policies and it has three different apps in the Google Play Store and App Store.

2. ANTHEM is one of the largest healthcare insurance in the United States. Their companies are dedicated to delivering better care to their members. As the largest insurance provider, Anthem ranks second in the country for the number of members serving 106 million people and yearly revenue.

They are known for the Best For Discounts for their easy to bundle coverage and save. Anthem Blue Cross is the same company like Blue Cross and Blue Cross Shield as they formed their associations.

3.  is the top choice for people who want to manage their membership and healthcare electronically. They are known for being the Best For Online Experience because of their friendly and easy-to-use online portal.

Call our office today for a review of your current plan . We typically can save you money on your monthly premiums and increase your coverage.

4. AETNA ranks as the strongest health insurance provider. The company has a good reputation, it stands out because they offer a plan with broad coverage at affordable and lower premiums.

Aetna is known for its price transparency and Best Cost-Effective and it is the fifth-largest Medigap provider by direct premiums.

5. MUTUAL OF OMAHA is a highly ranked insurance company with excellent customer satisfaction ratings and low customer complaints. They offer high-quality, in-depth information through their company website. Mutual Of Omaha ranked number 5 in Affordable Companies of 2021 and earned an A+ rating from AM Best and S&P Global.

They also know their Best For Claims Experience because according to a survey 98% of claims paid out within 12 hours. But unlike other insurance companies, Mutual Of Omaha doesn’t offer too many online tools for their customers.

6. HUMANA is a broad-based and well-being company, they have an excellent rating and received a J.D Power Associations Awards for a “Highest Members Satisfaction among Commercial Health Plans in Texas”.

Top National Companies

Humana is also a company that offers special needs policies for people with a severe disability or chronic condition. But Humana plans are a little higher than other insurance carriers. Their customers can access their app from both Google Play and Apple Store.

7.  This is one of the most trusted carriers for retirees and seniors.  earns rank A rating from AM Best for financial strength. It is well-known for being the best for its pricing for Medicare Advantage and Supplements plans because it doesn’t charge more as you age. And they constantly give the best rates and discounts that will fit their customer’s needs.

Original post here: Idaho Medicare Supplement & Medicare Advantage Companies

Top Health Insurance Companies In USA

Idaho's Best Health Insurance Companies

Hello Boise! I know that finding health insurance in the city of Idaho is overwhelming. So to help you through your decision-making and buying process, we compile some of the biggest companies offering quality health insurance to their members, which is also we worked with.

But this article is based on our opinion. Let’s take a closer look.

• Top health insurance companies in the USA.
• Best health insurance for self-employed.
• Which is the best health insurance company in the US.
• What are the top health insurance policies for 2021.
  

Top Health Insurance Companies

1. Blue Cross/Blue Shield

Blue Cross and Blue Shield Inc., based out of Minnetonka, Minnesota, offers both individual and group health insurance plans through its subsidiaries including Blue Cross Solutions Inc. The company also provides pharmacy management solutions for retail pharmacies under the name  Managed Pharmacy Services. It was founded in 1989 and had revenues of $48 billion in 2018.

Along with having the most members, UnitedHealthcare also has a care network of over 1.3 million physicians and health care professionals with more than 6,000 hospitals. This means that if you have Blue Cross, you will have many options to choose from to receive care.

2. Anthem

65 million members Anthem was founded in Arizona in 1984 and now operates out of Indianapolis, Ind. It provides both commercial and government-sponsored programs including Medicare Advantage Plans . Its mission statement reads "We help people live healthier lives."

Anthem focuses on providing quality service through its customer support team. They provide 24/7 access to information about healthcare and financial assistance. Additionally, it helps customers find doctors and specialists within their networks.

3. Aetna

30.5 million members Aetna is one of the nation’s leading health insurance carriers. It provides commercial, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid solutions through its various business units including Aetna U.S., which serves consumers; Aetna Inc., which focuses on employers; and Aetna Life Insurance Company, which specializes in life insurance.

Aetna was founded in 1883 and is based out of Hartford, Conn.

4. Cigna

21.8 million members Cigna is another major player in the health insurance industry. It provides both commercial and group health insurance through an employee welfare association model. Its providers are located throughout North America. In addition, it works closely with other insurers such as Humana and Kaiser Permanente.

Cigna was founded in 1921 and is based out of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

Best Idaho Health Insurance Companies In our opinion.

The Best Idaho Health Insurance Carriers

Our office works with the top providers for health, life, Medicare and Disability Insurance. For small group plans with 2 or more employees we like Select Health based out of Utah but has a strong presence here in Idaho. Blue Cross is one of the oldest health care providers in the state. They have great group and individual plans.

Some of the other companies we work with include:

Pacifsource

Molina

Regence Blue Shield

Allstate Benefits

This is to name a few. We also offer other supplemental plans for small to large business's. Call us today for a quote or review of your current plan and see if we can help you with your health insurance needs.

Thank You For Reading!

Original post here: Top Health Insurance Companies In USA

Why Consider A Medicare Advantage Plan

The benefits of Medicare Advantage plans can be many times better than the original plan. The main thing to remember is that Advantage plans will not cover your prescription drugs. You must purchase a stand-alone plan to carry a prescription drug to your existing Medicare plan.

You should also look into the premiums and copays associated with the coverage. Make sure to understand how much you will have to pay for each visit, as well as any limitations. Some plans even offer additional benefits, like help with hearing aids and dental bills.

Some Advantage plans offer supplemental benefits that may be valuable to you, but not all benefits are created equal. When choosing a plan, take your healthcare spending habits into account last year.

Did you pay for the same services in the previous year? If so, you can choose a Medicare Advantage plan that offers those services, which will help you save money on the cost of the medical care you need. Some also offer acupuncture as a treatment for chronic pain.

Types Of Medicare Advantage Plans

1. Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans covers health care and services given by your defined health care providers. A referral is needed when you are planning to see other doctors without your network, of course, you'll have to pay the entire bill for it.
2. Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) is a plan that charges you less if you see doctors, hospitals, and other health care services within your plan's network.
3. Private Fee-For-Service (PFFS) is a relatively uncommon plan similar to Original Medicare where you can go anywhere to see a doctor or other healthcare providers that accept the plan's terms and conditions. Usually, your plan determines how much you'll pay for the services you need including doctors and hospitals.
4. Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are a custom-made policy for specialized individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, a group of people who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid and living in a nursing facility.
5. HMO Point-of-Service (HMOPOS) is a combination of HMO plans that allows you to go outside of your network provider, with the terms you are willing to pay for more of that care.
6. Medical Savings Account (MSA) is a high deductible health plan with a dedicated back account. Money for your medical expenses is deposited in your back monthly. Again, this plan does not pay for the prescription drug.

Some disadvantages of these plans include high out-of-pocket copays and low maximum benefits. If your out-of-pocket costs exceed the coverage limit, you'll be responsible for 100% of the costs. Many beneficiaries don't even bother to review their coverage options annually, so they end up with higher costs. It's always best to compare the plans before deciding which one is right for you and always ask an agent to help .

The best time to switch to an MA plan is right after you have figured out your needs. You'll need to decide how much out-of-pocket costs you can afford to pay and what benefits your plan will provide. Some plans are better than others and offer more benefits than others. But it's important to consider the costs and benefits before making any changes. If you already have a good plan through your employer, you may not want to switch to an alternative plan.

Boise Medicare Advantage Plans

The main advantage is the coverage that it offers. These plans typically cover over-the-counter drugs, transportation to the doctor, and health and wellness services. Many of these plans also cover meals, a benefit that may not be covered by traditional Medicare. You might even want to look into the cost-sharing option if you are going to need such services. There are also some additional benefits that you might not know about, such as travel insurance, which allows you to save on the cost of meals. Also consider the benefits of long term care insurance .

Considering a Medicare Advantage plan? There are many reasons to switch from Original Medicare. The benefits are numerous and often more extensive than the Original. You may be surprised at how much you'll get for your money! The plan will cover services not covered by traditional, like indoor air quality monitors and wheelchair ramps. It may even cover costs for residential or adult daycare, as well as in-home respite care. If you need help getting to the doctor, a Medicare Advantage plan may be the righ t fit.

Original post here: Why Consider A Medicare Advantage Plan